When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk receives praise for its realistic portrayal of friendship breakups, offering depth in its emotional exploration. Readers appreciate the compelling narrative and character development. Criticisms focus on pacing issues and occasional predictability. Overall, it's a resonant and relatable read on personal growth through relationships.

Readers who enjoy When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk likely appreciate emotionally resonant YA fiction that explores themes of friendship, loss, and self-discovery. Fans of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell may also find this book appealing for its heartfelt narrative and relatable characters.

When You Were Everything by Ashley Woodfolk follows protagonist Cleo Baker as she reflects on her dissolved high school friendship with Layla Hassan. The narrative alternates between Cleo’s past and present, highlighting how her memories shape her evolving identity amidst numerous life changes and new relationships. This young adult novel addresses themes of friendship, change, and personal growth. Descriptions of bullying, exclusion, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression appear in the book.

Melancholic / Emotional / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Heartwarming

- When You Were Everything addresses the complex emotions and dynamics surrounding friendship breakups, showcasing Ashley Woodfolk's interest in writing about the depth of human relationships.
- Author Ashley Woodfolk is known for her ability to explore the intricacies of diverse identities and experiences, and When You Were Everything continues this tradition by giving voice to themes of change and growth.
- The novel is celebrated for its non-linear narrative, providing readers with a richly layered understanding of the characters' past and present interactions.

**Cleo Baker**  
A high school student in New York City who navigates personal challenges and self-discovery after her best friend begins to drift away and her parents separate, all while juggling school, new friendships, and a part-time job.

**Layla Hassan**  
Cleo’s former best friend who starts to distance herself after joining a new group of friends called the Chorus Girls, influencing both her own and Cleo’s journey of personal growth.

**Dominic (“Dom”) Grey**  
A supportive and thoughtful friend to Cleo, who develops a close bond with her after moving back to New York and working at his grandparents' diner while dealing with his own family dynamics.

**Cliff Baker and Naomi Bell**  
Cleo’s parents, whose changing relationship with each other and with Cleo prompts her to reflect on her own connections and understandings of family dynamics.

**Sloane Sorenson**  
A new student at Chisholm Charter who becomes an antagonist in Cleo’s life by befriending Layla and causing tension and conflict within Cleo’s social circle.

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Part 1: “Now” - Part 6: “Then: September”

Parts 1-6

When You Were Everything Parts 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Now” - Part 10: “Then: November”

Parts 7-10

When You Were Everything Parts 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 11: “Now” - Part 16: “Then: December, Week 3”

Parts 11-16

When You Were Everything Parts 11-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 17: “Now” - Part 20: “Still Now”

Parts 17-20

When You Were Everything Parts 17-20 Summary & Analysis

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When You Were Everything Character Analysis

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When You Were Everything

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